The ability to read is one of the most important skills a person can develop. Whether it be in the form of basic communication, conducting research and studies, keeping up to date with the news, or creating and enjoying literary works, reading is fundamental to daily life, and with the advent of the internet and the spread of many digital libraries and free sources of information, reading is more accessible than ever before. However, it seems that in the age of information and almost unlimited access to literature, Gen Z and younger demographics are reading less than ever before.
In a Walton Family Foundation study performed in 2025, 43% of Gen Z students say that they rarely or never read for fun. Older segments of Gen Z struggle with reading as well. In a popular 2024 study, They Don’t Read Very Well: A Study of the Reading Comprehension Skills of English Majors at Two Midwestern Universities, two groups of university students from Kansas who were majoring in English were asked to read seven paragraphs from Charles Dickens’ Bleakhouse and translate them into “plain English.” 58% of the 85 students involved were considered “problematic” and only 5% were highly proficient. Moreover, a recent NWEA study published March 10 of this year found that reading scores among first and second grade students have declined despite the children in this age demographic not having experienced the negative educational impacts of the pandemic.
Some students have theories as to why Gen Z lags behind in reading.
“[Reading has] probably decreased,” said senior Tiffany Ye. “There’s so many other options for entertainment that require less commitment, are easier to access, and give instant gratification.”
Others share a similar sentiment about how today’s world, especially sources of entertainment, has shifted away from books.
“I think it is a common hobby, especially in older generations,” said senior Olivia Turner. “But with the world becoming more technology-dependent, some people don’t take the time to read and commit to a book.”
The topic of attention spans was mentioned quite a few times by students. It’s no secret that attention spans have been decreasing over the years. In 2004, the average attention span for screen usage was around two and a half minutes. In recent years, that number is closer to 47 seconds according to the American Psychological Association. Researchers have attributed this drastic decline to the growth of social media platforms, especially short-form content such as Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok videos. This decrease in attention spans, paired with the seemingly infinite amount of content that exists online, is the primary reason behind the decrease in reading in some students’ eyes.
“I don’t think reading is a common hobby among high schoolers because of the accessibility of social media and shorter attention spans, as well as thinking reading is too nerdy of a hobby,” said junior Zoie Antonio. “I think that it’s decreased since the rise of short-form content like TikTok and Instagram Reels.”
Though there is not one single reason behind the decrease in reading. Not all ascribe the decline to social media alone.
“I do believe the hobby has decreased recently because school makes people believe that they hate reading,” said senior Sydney Grady.
However, despite the fact that social media has contributed to the decrease in attention spans, some posit that social media could actually be making reading more popular and even trendy.
“Many people that I would not expect to be avid readers tend to have a liking for it,” said senior Chloe Pastrana. “I think it has increased recently due to social media and the rise in BookTok!”
Others share a similar opinion to Pastrana, citing shifts in social media trends such as the rise in BookTok, a community of readers on TikTok who post content discussing their favorite literary works.
I think that [reading has also] increased because of things like BookTok that advertise books to more people who scroll more than they read books,” said Antonio.
In spite of the findings from studies on current literacy rates and reading of Gen Z and younger demographics, it’s not fair to say that all of Gen Z has abandoned reading in their past-time. Many teens still find a lot of value in literature for various reasons. Some read for the adventure that the fictional worlds books create can bring.
“I enjoy reading because it feels like I am living several different lives,” said Turner. “I get so invested in the characters and the unique stories of each one. Books serve so many purposes. They can inform, entertain, and persuade. There’s a genre for every occasion.”
Others enjoy the calm and relaxation that getting into a good book can bring. In fact, reading has been shown to reduce stress and aid in falling asleep.
“I enjoy reading outside of school, specifically right before bed, because I find it to be a nice addition to my routine and it is a nice way to wind down after all my school work,” said Pastrana.
Ultimately, while social media certainly has its faults regarding the current state of literacy among younger generations, that’s not to say that there is no potential for these platforms to make a positive influence. Literature and community have never been more accessible, thanks in part to these platforms. However, these platforms can only be as beneficial as what they are used for. So next time you find yourself doomscrolling, overwhelmed by the vast amounts of content constantly pushed via the algorithm, consider taking a break and picking up a good book or even browsing through an online library instead. Your brain will certainly thank you for it.
